Ultrasound Technician Schools in New Jersey

Considering a career as an ultrasound technician is a great idea for those wanting a career that pays good, allows you to learn, advance, and help others. Pursuing an education through the ultrasound technician schools in New Jersey provides a great opportunity for those looking to succeed in the medical field.

Getting Started

So you’re probably wondering about how you get started working as an ultrasound technician. Well, first you’ll have to complete a degree or certificate program through one of the ultrasound technician schools in New Jersey. At an entry level the field will require a two year degree in order to qualify for most employment opportunities. In addition, employers also look for candidates who have obtained a sonographer certification through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (or ARDMS). Obtaining these qualifications will be definitely possible after receiving the right training from an ultrasound technician school in your area. The sonography schools in New Jersey are qualified and experienced in helping students achieve their career goals and entering the field in diagnostic medical sonography.

Deciding on a school and a degree program will probably come down to several factors that are important to you. There are many schools offering training in medical sonography however finding one that meets your needs will require research on the schools in your area. When evaluating programs you’ll do best by contacting several ultrasound technician schools to request information about their programs. This can simply involve visiting their website to request that they send information or visiting the schools to meet with the staff and look around the facilities. However you choose to research the schools you’ll want to look at least a few to make comparisons.

Sonography Programs and Considerations

The types of program options will vary from school to school which is something to consider when looking at ultrasound technician schools in New Jersey. Most commonly, students who enter the field as an ultrasound technician will have obtained an associate’s degree from an accredited ultrasound program. An associate’s degree will generally take about two years to complete. This is a thorough training program that really caters to students who have no experience working in the healthcare field. Colleges will often have students complete a series of pre requisite courses before entering the ultrasound technician training. The courses making up the prerequisites often include studies such as math, language skills, sciences, and some medical fundamentals. These are generally taken during the first year and are needed before much of the ultrasound training begins.

The ultrasound training will be very thorough and will include classroom and lab studies in addition to plenty of hands on training working in clinical settings. Throughout the sonography program students will learn about how the ultrasound procedure can be utilized on different areas of the body. While ultrasound is commonly known for its use in pregnancy examinations the technology is also very useful in detecting problems occurring in other areas of the body. A lot of training will be focused on the scanning procedures used examine or detect medical concerns affecting the body in addition to pregnancy. While in the program students will also gain plenty of practice working in medical hospitals and clinics under the supervision of trained technicians. This is a very important aspect of the program because the job is very hands on. Through this training students will have the opportunity to learn on the job and apply the classroom concepts in the field.

But what if you already have an allied health degree or medical experience?  Well, you will be glad to know that there are accelerated programs that cater to those who already have experience in allied health. These are typically offered as certificate or diploma programs. Since an existing medical degree is often a prerequisite many of the traditional college subjects are skipped in favor of the practical skills needed for the job. These programs will provide extensive clinical training and classroom education on the ultrasound techniques and equipment. The ultrasound technician schools in New Jersey offer these programs which are perfect for current professionals looking to add to their medical skill sets.

Another thing to look for when choosing a program is whether the school holds an accreditation by the CAAHEP. Accreditation is very important for the student as it can have a direct impact on a student’s employment prospects after completing a program. The CAAHEP or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is responsible for evaluating and accrediting educational programs in sonography. Making sure that the school you choose is CAAHEP accredited is necessary. Attending an accredited program will provide eligibility to take the ARDMS certification after the program is finished. An accredited program is also looked upon better by employers because they understand that an accredited program ensures that the education will meet the training standards desired by the industry. Attending an unaccredited program is definitely risky because it will delay the ability to become certified and it may not be possible to find a job afterwards.

The CAAHEP website is very comprehensive at explaining the importance of an accredited program. It is definitely something to keep in mind during your research.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in NJ

BEGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Paramus, NJ
Website: www.bergen.edu
Degrees: Associate’s
Concentrations : Cardiac Sonography, General Sonography

GLOUCESTER COUNTY COLLEGE

Sewell, NJ
Website: www.gccnj.edu
Degrees: Associate’s
Concentrations: General Sonography

SANFORD BROWN INSTITUTE-ISELIN

Iselin, NJ
Website: www.sb-nj.com
Degrees: Certificate
Concentrations: General Sonography

UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY OF NEW JERSEY

Newark, NJ
Website: www.umdnj.edu
Concentrations: General Sonography
Degrees: Certificate, Bachelor’s

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is very good at this point as they are one of the most sought after and well paid specialists in the allied health professions. The job has grown steadily over the years and the demand for technicians is only expected to increase over the next decade. There are several factors that will contribute to the increased need for ultrasound technicians that include an aging population requiring more diagnostic procedures, the cost effectiveness of ultrasound, safety for patients and staff, as well as advances in the technology. Ultrasound is becoming more popular in many facilities as a replacement for procedures that at one time required invasive or radiation to diagnose the condition.

Also, the salary of an ultrasound technician in New Jersey is among the highest nationally and well above the national average according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In New Jersey qualified ultrasound technicians earn on average $67,220 or around $32 per hour. It’s fair to say that ultrasound technicians in New Jersey are doing pretty well.

Links and Resources

Pursuing a career in ultrasound is a great idea and will ensure a good future. Getting the right training to succeed is very important to those who want to get started in the profession. Below are some additional resources to use in your research. Also be sure to read our other ultrasound technician schools articles on this website. Good luck and enjoy a great career as an ultrasound technician!